Effects of six months losartan administration on liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients: a pilot study - PubMed (original) (raw)

Effects of six months losartan administration on liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients: a pilot study

Silvia Sookoian et al. World J Gastroenterol. 2005.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of chronic administration of losartan on hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Methods: Fourteen patients with chronic hepatitis C non-responders (n = 10), with contraindications (n = 2) or lack of compliance (n = 2) to interferon plus ribavirin therapy and liver fibrosis were enrolled. Liver and renal function test, clinical evaluation, and liver biopsies were performed at baseline and after losartan administration at a dose of 50 mg/d during the 6 mo. The control group composed of nine patients with the same inclusion criteria and paired liver biopsies (interval 6-14 mo). Histological activity index (HAI) with fibrosis stage was assessed under blind conditions by means of Ishak's score. Subendothelial fibrosis was evaluated by digital image analyses.

Results: The changes in the fibrosis stage were significantly different between losartan group (decrease of 0.5+/-1.3) and controls (increase of 0.89+/-1.27; P<0.03). In the treated patients, a decrease in fibrosis stage was observed in 7/14 patients vs 1/9 control patients (P<0.04). A decrease in sub-endothelial fibrosis was observed in the losartan group. No differences were found in HAI after losartan administration. Acute and chronic decreases in systolic arterial pressures (P<0.05) were observed after the losartan administration, without changes in mean arterial pressure or renal function.

Conclusion: Chronic AT-II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockade may reduce liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

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Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

Changes in fibrosis stage in control group and treated patients.

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